skip to main content

Hatchlings and unhatched eggs

18 years ago

Ok another newbie question,

I have 5 eggs, she skipped a day between the 3rd egg and the last ones.

I had one hatch yesterday and one today (as far as I know)

If no more are hatched tomorrow does that mean that the others are no good?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

janie_may
18 years ago
No, not necessarily. Sometimes you'll have a big gap between first and last to hatch. The longest gap I had was 40 hours and when it was time for the five to fledge the baby who hatched late was far from ready. That didn't stop him from jumping out of the box but he could not fly so he spent the night back in the box with a one inch hole reducer added (I was prepared and already had the reducer). I'd give unhatched eggs three FULL days from the time the first hatched before deciding they are infertile.
debbie321
Original Author
18 years ago
ok thanks Janie, I checked this morning and still only two chicks.
The first one is two days old today.
She did skip a day before the last two eggs were laid, I just dont want to toss them if there is a chance they may hatch still.
I will check on her later this afternoon, maybe we will have another one hatch out!
Related Discussions
when to remove unhatched eggs from goose nest
Q
Comments (3)
Mother Goose pulled all the eggs out of her nest so I assumed it was time to remove them. I didn't have the heart to break them because I would be distressed if they had just not made it to the end. But she has one healthy little gosling to look after. I let her out with her baby but the ganders immediately attacked it. I thought Father Goose was supposed to be protective. I plan to banish them to the barnyard until Baby Goose is big enough to deal with them. Isn't that unusal for that to happen?
...See More
unhatched eggs - momma building new nest
Q
Comments (2)
I think if she is already building a new nest I would leave the old nest be. How deep is the nestbox from the hole to the floor? Hopefully the new nest doesn't get too close to that hole. Also make sure your pole is baffled to keep away climbing predators.
...See More
unhatched egg
Q
Comments (8)
I checked the box when I came home today and the unhatched egg was still there.I removed it with a spoon as suggested,it was definately not fertile,so I am glad I did remove it before it became a problem.I agree if it hatched too much later than the others,it would be fighting for food.However that was not the case,so all is well and there are 4 beautiful babies in the box.Now to decide how long to leave the wren guard on.Decisions,decisions.Who said this wasn't work?But it sure is enjoyable.Happy bluebirding to all.......Jane
...See More
Help! 6th straight clutch of unhatched bb eggs
Q
Comments (2)
I really hope you don't "pick" off the male bluebird. How long are you waiting to see if the bb eggs hatch?? I have not heard of that many eggs not hatching.
...See More
debbie321
Original Author
18 years ago
well still only two chicks have hatched!
what do I do now, the oldest chick is 3 days old.
Do I leave it be a few more days, or remove the other 3 eggs?

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

GARDENING GUIDES Great Native Plant: Rattlesnake Master for Unique Interest

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Serpents actually don’t give a hoot about this prairie wildflower, but insects do — and the foliage is a big draw too

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths